Dominique S. Smith RN, BSN

N Career Development & Education

Temporarily transitioned from full-time clinical practice to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in leadership, administration, and evidence-based practice.

Completed advanced clinical practicums with emphasis on leadership development, quality improvement, and patient-centered care.

Inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in recognition of academic excellence and commitment to nursing leadership.

Capstone Project: Reducing CLABSI Rates in Adult Male ICU Patients Through the Implementation of Antiseptic Barrier Caps — focused on infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and best-practice nursing interventions in critical care environments.

Nurse Leadership Shadowing Experience (ADN Program – Rasmussen University): Observed nurse leaders in action, gaining firsthand exposure to staff supervision, quality assurance processes, survey preparedness, and interdisciplinary collaboration in skilled nursing and long-term care.

Applied clinical judgment to prioritize nursing interventions based on acuity and individual patient needs.

Conducted comprehensive assessments, recognized critical changes in condition, and collaborated with providers to initiate timely interventions that improved patient outcomes.

• Delivered comprehensive nursing care to residents in long-term care and rehab settings
• Supervised nursing assistants, ensured compliance with care plans, and contributed to reduced acute care transfers
• Trained in IV insertion/removal, midline and PICC line care
• Maintained 98% medication compliance and accuracy rate
• Documented patient information meticulously in electronic medical records to maintain accurate data for clinical decisionmaking.
• Prioritized patients'' needs and organized workload efficiently for timely care delivery.
• Provided skilled wound care management by cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wounds for signs of infection or complications.

• - Provided skilled care to dementia and Alzheimer's patients, including behavioral support
• - Conducted assessments, administered medications, and performed wound and trach care
• - Supported interdisciplinary care teams and family communications
• Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
• Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
• Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.

• - Managed patient treatments, IV therapy, G-tube care, and catheterizations
• - Charted in Matrix and PCC systems, improving documentation accuracy
• Enhanced staff morale by fostering a supportive work environment, recognizing outstanding performance, and addressing concerns effectively.
• Administered medications and injections to patients.
• Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
• Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
• Assisted physicians during procedures, demonstrating strong clinical knowledge and attention to detail for successful outcomes.

• - Oversaw medication administration, IV monitoring, and catheter care
• - Delegated tasks and monitored performance of certified nursing assistants
• - Delivered education to residents and families regarding discharge care plans
• Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
• Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
• Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
• Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
• Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.

• - Directed clinical operations and staffing during assigned shifts, ensuring high-quality resident care
• - Collaborated with DON and ADON to optimize staff allocation, oversee shift operations, and resolve clinical or administrative issues
• - Served as point-of-contact for staff concerns, resident care escalations, and family communications
• - Assisted with survey compliance, documentation reviews, and quality improvement initiatives
• Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering strong relationships with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Mentored new nursing staff members to promote adherence to established best practices and foster professional growth.
• Contributed to positive team dynamics as an approachable supervisor who actively listened to concerns from both patients and nurses.
• Provided direct nursing care to patients when personnel was short-staffed.
• Increased staff retention through effective communication, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Supervised a team of 40 licensed and unlicensed healthcare staff during evening shifts in a 206-bed long-term care facility, ensuring compliance with care standards, resident safety protocols, and documentation accuracy.
• Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
• Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols.